8-KMaterial AgreementsSecurities & ListingShareholder Matters+2

Globalstar, Inc. 8-K Report, Material Agreement (Nov 16, 2022)

Filed November 16, 2022For Securities:GSAT

Summary

Globalstar, Inc. (GSAT) announced a significant debt restructuring on November 16, 2022, through an Exchange Agreement. The company converted approximately $149.4 million in outstanding principal and accrued interest from its 2019 Facility Agreement loans into its new 7.0% Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A. This move was executed in conjunction with a partner's launch of services on November 15, 2022, and satisfies a previously disclosed obligation to complete the Thermo Debt Conversion. The Series A Preferred Stock carries a fixed annual dividend of 7.00% on its $1,000 liquidation preference, payable quarterly. This preferred stock ranks senior to common stock but junior to any potential future 'senior securities.' Notably, the company is restricted from issuing senior securities without the approval of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock holders. The company also retains the option to redeem this preferred stock at its liquidation preference value plus accrued dividends.

Key Highlights

  • 1Globalstar converted $149.4 million of debt (principal and interest) from its 2019 Facility Agreement into Series A Preferred Stock.
  • 2The conversion was part of a material definitive agreement executed on November 15, 2022, related to a partner's service launch.
  • 3The new Series A Preferred Stock offers a fixed 7.00% annual dividend, payable quarterly.
  • 4Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and ranks senior to common stock.
  • 5The company cannot issue 'senior securities' without the affirmative vote of a majority of Series A Preferred Stock holders.
  • 6Globalstar has the option to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at its liquidation preference plus accrued dividends.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Series A Preferred Stock represents a conversion of existing debt into equity, effectively deleveraging the company's balance sheet by replacing interest-bearing debt with a fixed dividend obligation. It also provides enhanced control for preferred stockholders regarding future senior debt issuances.

Financially, Globalstar has shifted $149.4 million from debt obligations to preferred equity. While this eliminates interest payments on that specific debt, it introduces a fixed dividend payment of 7.00% per annum on the preferred stock, which is a perpetual obligation unless redeemed by the company.

The Series A Preferred Stock ranks senior to the common stock in liquidation and dividend payments. Furthermore, the restriction on issuing senior securities without preferred stockholder approval could limit future financing flexibility that might otherwise dilute common shareholder value.

Yes, Globalstar has the option to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium. The redemption price is $1,000 per share plus any unpaid accrued and accumulated dividends.